Ralph R. Ralph, 82, of Port Allegany passed away on January 6, 2016 at Lily and Syringa Nursing Home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

He was born June 8, 1934 in Brockway, the son of Edwin "Ted" and Susan "Mae" Haines Ralph.  He was especially close to his uncle, Amos Haines, of Marchand, PA, and they enjoyed spending time together.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice R. Welker Ralph, whom he married in Distant, PA on December 26, 1959.  They were married 57 years

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Shaune Ralph of Port Allegany, Shana (Michael) Williams of Challis, Idaho, and Shalee (Eric) Crawford of Pittsburgh, PA, four grandchildren: Daniel Crawford, Rebecca Crawford, Zachary Williams and Caden Williams, and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Ralph was a graduate of Brockway Area High School.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Clarion University, and two Master's in Education degrees; one from St. Bonaventure University and a second one from Penn State University.

He served in the Navy from 1952-1957 on the USS Randolph, an aircraft carrier, during the Korean War, as part of the NATO Alliance in the north Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.   While in the Navy, he toured many of the European countries.  He wrote letters regularly to his younger sister, Sally, who saw the world through his travels.

Mr. Ralph was employed by the Port Allegany School District as a social studies teacher, mainly teaching 7th grade geography.  Because he realized the value of an education, he tried to always encourage students to do their best and stay in school. He was a kind and gentle man with a dry sense of humor.   He retired in 1988 after 30 years.

During his teaching career, he was a member of PSEA, and a lifetime member of PSEA-Retired after his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger days, reading, especially National Geographic, and watching the history channel.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, Charles Ralph, and his sister, Sally Ann Ralph Martuccio.

The family would like to thank the Turtle & Crane, Lily & Syringa, and Hands of Hope Hospice for their wonderful care of Ralph.

Memorials may be made to the S.W. Smith Library in Port Allegany or any local organization of your choice.

No service is being planned at this time.